Closing Date: 24 SEP 2026

Scientist – Urban Microclimate and Sustainable Cooling in Arid Regions

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Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), a member of the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), was founded in 2010 to continue fulfilling QF’s vision of unlocking human potential. Located within Education City, Hamad Bin Khalifa University is dedicated to developing world-class integrated graduate and select undergraduate academic programs, advancing national research capabilities and cultivating leaders who drive meaningful change.

Qatar Environment & Energy Research Institute (QEERI), part of Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), is a national research institute tasked with supporting Qatar in addressing its grand challenges related to energy, water, and environment.

QEERI – with its experienced scientists, engineers, and technicians supported by its focused management and operations teams, working within its world-class indoor and outdoor facilities – aims to make a lasting positive impact on Qatar and the region. The institute’s work is in line with the goals set forth by Qatar National Vision 2030, and is supported by Qatar Foundation Research, Development and Innovation (QF RDI)

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The Qatar Environment & Energy Research Institute (QEERI) is seeking a highly motivated and impact-driven Research Scientist to join our multidisciplinary team at the Environment Centre. The successful candidate will contribute to tackling critical environmental challenges related to urban microclimate research and sustainable cooling in arid regions addressing heat mitigation, energy efficiency and indoor and urban environmental quality. The research areas to interest include, but are not limited to, urban microclimate studies, HVAC optimisation and integration of smart sensing, passive and active cooling systems, thermal energy storage, and climate-resilient and sustainable cooling solutions. We are looking for candidates who are passionate about advancing research related to climate resilience, sustainability, and environmental health in the built environment in arid regions.

Successful candidate(s) will lead and support research aligned with QEERI’s strategy and the Environment Centre mandate to deliver human-centric, sustainable solutions to protect public health and enhance resilience and wellbeing of people in urban and built environments in Qatar and arid regions. The ideal candidate must possess a strong foundation in heat transfer, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics, with a demonstrated ability to translate thermal science into practical energy efficient solutions that support climate adaptation, environmental sustainability goals and human wellbeing.

  • Develop advanced numerical simulations (CFD/FEM) and empirical research on cooling systems, thermal comfort, urban heat island, and heat mitigation strategies relevant to Qatar’s built environment and urban infrastructure.
  • Develop and validate simulation models for building-scale and urban microclimate thermal behavior integrating local climate data and region-specific performance metrics.
  • Advance understanding of building and landscape materials for thermal performance 
  • Model and simulate thermal flows, comfort indices, and urban heat dynamics using energy and climate analysis tools.
  • Conduct CFD simulations and apply thermal management principles to evaluate and optimize energy use, airflow patterns, and temperature control within buildings and selected urban areas.
  • Lead and contribute to research on sustainable indoor and outdoor cooling solutions, including passive, active, and hybrid approaches.
  • Develop, conduct and lead strategic R&D focusing on sustainable cooling technologies and microclimate regulation addressing energy efficiency and indoor and urban environmental quality.
  • Design and develop prototypes for cooling technologies optimised for hot and arid climates, including energy-efficient HVAC cooling systems, arid region adapted thermal management, integrating passive and active technologies, material science, HVAC innovation and climate-responsive technologies.
  • Align all designs with green building standards (LEED, BREEAM, WELL, EDGE) and local climate codes.
  • Design and execute laboratory and field-scale experiments to evaluate and validate cooling performance, energy efficiency, and thermal comfort.
  • Contribute to the development of testbeds and pilot systems for next-generation cooling technologies focused on resilience, indoor environmental quality and energy efficiency.
  • Design and operate thermal testing facilities tailored for high ambient temperature and extreme variation in humidity conditions.
  • Contribute to the development of pilot projects, including cooling testbeds, green infrastructure, and outdoor thermal comfort solutions.
  • Collaborate with government, academia, and industry partners to support Qatar National Vision 2030 goals related to sustainable development, resource efficiency, and resilient infrastructure.
  • Identify innovation opportunities and contribute to R&D roadmaps, support IP development through patents, high-impact journal publications and attraction of competitive funding.
  • Mentor interns and junior researchers contribute to capacity building efforts and support the preparation of competitive research proposals.

  • Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Building Science, or a closely related field.
  • Minimum 3 years (post Ph.D.) of relevant research or industry experience.
  • Proven experience in thermal management systems, with an emphasis on energy-efficient cooling under extreme climatic conditions.
  • Experience in the integration, control and application of smart sensing methods with cooling technologies to deliver human centric solutions.
  • Demonstrated expertise in advanced thermal management systems, including air/liquid cooling, heat exchangers, TIMs and PCM, heat pipes, and high-power electronics.
  • Strong proficiency in CFD modelling and simulation tools applied to thermal management and built environment performance assessment (e.g., ANSYS Fluent, OpenFOAM, COMSOL, EnergyPlus, DesignBuilder).
  • Experience in climate-sensitive infrastructure or cooling technologies projects in arid environments.
  • Familiarity with control systems, automation, microelectronics, telecommunications, and HVAC systems.

  • Research experience related to arid and extreme climate regions.
  • Experience with urban-scale microclimate modelling tools such as PALM or equivalent.
  • Experience in securing research funding and managing projects.
  • Expertise in passive cooling, evaporative cooling, solar-assisted systems, phase-change materials, heat recovery systems and desiccant-based cooling technologies.
  • Familiarity with urban microclimate modeling, green infrastructure, and climate-sensitive urban design.
  • Previous engagement with IP development and delivery and/or science into policy development.
  • Experience in thermal energy storage and urban heat island mitigation in desert urban contexts.
  • Industrial or hands-on research experience in a dynamic environment is a plus.

To apply, please follow this link

Additional documents may be solicited from short-listed candidates.

Applications will be reviewed immediately and continue on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.

HBKU offers an attractive compensation package that includes a tax-free salary and additional benefits such as accommodation allowance, annual paid leave, and medical insurance.

Hamad Bin Khalifa University is an equal opportunity educator and employer. We are committed to maintaining culturally and academically diverse staff of the highest caliber.

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